TIPTOP

ÎLE DE RÉ

Just before things start heating up in Île
de Ré for the summer season, we whisked ourselves away en famille for a spring
weekend getaway to this charming little island off the west coast of France. Often
referred to as the French Hamptons, Parisians flock here en mass each summer to
holiday in this picturesque place and we can see why. It’s utterly charming!
Villages with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with green, blue or
grey shutters. Postcard ports, wild salt marshes teaming with thousands of
birds (yes, a total birdwatcher’s dream!) and vast sandy stretches of beach fringed
by delicious smelling pine forests. Dreamy oyster cabanes where you can gorge
endlessly on the freshest catches of the day while guzzling down glass after
glass…let us rephrase that…cravat after cravat of cold white wine. The best way of getting around is by
bicycle. Firstly, it’s just way more fun, and secondly you get to see more of
the island! Head to one of the village’s morning markets and fill up a basket
with the juiciest peaches you’ve ever tasted, fresh baguettes (you’re in France
after all!), lovely cheeses, marinated anchovies, pickled garlic, slices of
salami or cured hams and of course a bottle or two of red.